Pros & cons
PROS
- Big alpine lake views just ~12 km from Queenstown
- Simple cooking shelter with sinks and seasonal water taps
CONS
- Rough, corrugated gravel access road
- No mobile reception and no showers
Overview
A classic DOC standard campsite on the shore of a small alpine lake, Moke Lake Campsite trades creature comforts for peace, space, and mountain-and-water views. It’s close to town yet feels miles away once the gravel starts.
Facilities
- 50 unpowered sites.
- Clean long‑drop toilets; simple covered cooking/washing shelter with stainless benches and sinks (no stoves, no showers).
- Seasonal running water from taps; treat/boil before drinking. Taps are turned off in winter.
- Generally no mobile reception.
- No dogs. No fires. Lake speed limit is 5 km/h.
Booking, Fees & Passes
Online bookings are required year‑round. Typical fees: Adults NZ$18/night, Children NZ$9, Infants free. DOC Campsite Pass is accepted (bookings still required for pass holders).
What to Do
- Easy loop walk around Moke Lake with lovely sunrise/sunset mirror reflections on calm days.
- Lake fun: swimming, kayaking/canoeing, and trout fishing.
- Tracks connect to Lake Dispute (about 2 hours on foot or mountain bike). Horse trekking occurs in the area.
- Expect friendly ducks nosing around the shore.
Getting There
Turn off Glenorchy Road and follow roughly 7 km of narrow, corrugated gravel to the lake. It’s manageable in 2WD in dry conditions but can be bumpy, dusty, and tight with limited pull‑offs. In winter the road can be tricky; drive in daylight if you can.
Seasonality & Crowds
Summer (especially January weekends) is popular and can feel busy, though the area is spacious. Winter is quiet and scenic with snow on surrounding peaks, chilly mornings, and late‑arriving sun—and the taps are off.
Best Time to Visit
- For photos: sunrise and calm evenings bring those glassy reflections.
- For fewer people: mid‑week or outside January.
- For swimming and paddling: late spring through early autumn when water is on and days are warm.
Tips
- Book ahead, then arrive before dusk—the final gravel stretch isn’t fun in the dark.
- Bring bug spray (sandflies), warm layers for cold mornings, and a headlamp for toilet runs.
- Treat all water; in winter, plan to bring your own as taps are off.
- There’s no cell signal—download maps and entertainment offline.
- Carry a card and some cash as a backup for ranger fee checks.
Where it is
-44.9993, 168.5742Tips for Moke Lake Campsite
- 01Drive the last 7 km of gravel slowly and plan to arrive in daylight.
- 02Pack insect repellent, warm layers, and a headlamp for nighttime toilet trips.
- 03Treat all tap water; in winter bring your own as taps are turned off.
- 04Book online in advance—summer dates fill and rangers check bookings.
- 05Download offline maps and entertainment; there’s no mobile reception.
Amenities
Near Moke Lake Campsite
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayMoke Lake LoopGentle lakeside loop with big reflections near QueenstownEasy · 4.3 mi · 2 hr
0.3 mi awayMoke Lake ViewpointShort, steep climb to a stunning twin‑lake panoramaScenic Viewpoint · Parking
0.5 mi awayMoke LakeMirror-flat alpine lake with an easy loop and big night skiesTrailhead · Parking
2.1 mi awayBen LomondQueenstown’s signature summit day hike with huge lake and alpine viewsTrailhead · Restroom
2.6 mi awayBen Lomond SaddleWindy alpine saddle with huge Wakatipu views and a toiletScenic Viewpoint · Restroom
4.5 mi awayMoonlight TrackBackcountry traverse with gold-rush relics and big Shotover viewsChallenging · 11.2 mi · 5 hr
4.5 mi awayTiki TrailShort, steep climb to Skyline’s knockout Queenstown and Wakatipu views.Moderate · 2.6 mi · 2 hr
4.9 mi awayQueenstown Gardens Lakefront LoopEasy lakeside loop through Queenstown’s gardens with constant viewsEasy · 1.2 mi · 30 min
